The state-level WASL (Washington State Assessment of Student Learning) assessments require students to both select and create answers to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding in each of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). Test formats range from multiple-choice and short-answer questions to more extended responses, essays, and problem solving tasks.

The state-level assessments in reading, communication, and mathematics include a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. The writing assessment at Grades 4, 7, and 10 asks students to respond to two writing "prompts" (tasks).

The state of Washington will continue to require a Second Grade Oral Reading Assessment, and the current Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading will continue in grades 4, 7, and 10. A mandatory compliance policy regarding the new assessments in grades 3, 5, 6, and 8 will come into effect in Spring 2006.

Merit’s Language Arts and Math software programs correlate to Washington’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements and can help students prepare for the WASL assessments. The content and format of Merit’s programs can help students develop and strengthen their test-taking skills as well as their reading, writing and math skills.

Merit reading software has been proven -- through rigorous, scientifically based research -- to increase both student reading comprehension and standardized test scores. Merit research study findings reveal that education software is an effective tool to improve test scores and academic performance.



Published: January 2005